Pels start crucial road trip with victory over Dallas 99-94

We all like hand-outs, freebies, and when things come easy. Facing a 1-7 Dallas Mavericks team certainly falls into that category. Unfortunately, however, the Pelicans have a tendency to make some things harder than they should be. After losing a close game at home to the Timberwolves Wednesday where star big man Karl Anthony-Towns scored just two points, they couldn’t afford to squander another opportunity. If easy isn’t the word you would use to describe the Mavs that’s understandable, but it was at least a must-win starting off a four-game road trip. The Pelicans this time took care of business.

What we liked:

New Orleans has one advantage every night; they have the two best and most versatile big men in the NBA.  That means they must control points in the paint every night. They rank second in the NBA behind the LA Lakers in that department, and they won the battle again tonight 50 to 40. New Orleans used the post too frequently set up their offense and it paid dividends. It’ll be interesting to see if that pattern continues going forward, or if it was just apart of tonight’s game plan.

What we didn’t like:

This:.

We’ll just move forward after that

When it was over:

When up six with 11 seconds left in the 4th Jrue Holiday blocked Yogi Ferrell’s attempt at cutting New Orleans’ lead to three.

Takeaways:

1. Darius Miller plays with confidence.

You gotta give credit to a guy like Darius Miller. Most may have given up on him after a few DNP’s, but it’s clear Alvin Gentry hasn’t. In just 12 minutes, Miller poured in 9 points and seemed to look more confident than we’ve seen him at times. If he can stay confident in his role, he’ll continue to have a spot in the rotation, and with his shooting ability, it’ll be an important one.

2. Anthony Davis continues to blossom

We shouldn’t be surprised AD has gotten better, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve recognition. Davis’ game for most of his career revolved around his jump shot and his guard like athleticism. We saw him improve more as a post up player last season, this year we’re seeing even more. Mainly it’s his ability now to seal defenders and his position down low, providing a clear entry for a pass. This is allowing AD to take less difficult shots, and be closer to the rim.

Tonight was no different as AD repeatedly set up shop against Harrison Barnes, sometimes within 5 feet of the basket. Davis is showing he can now be any type of big man the game asks of him.

3. Tony Allen finishes with more minutes than Dante Cunningham.

It appears Alvin Gentry is making a change to his rotation. Dante Cunningham is still the starter, but it looks as if Tony Allen will be the man to finish the half and the game. This was evident when Allen played a majority of the 4th against Minnesota and closed out the game with the starters. Tonight he again played 18 minutes, but this time it equaled more than Cunningham’s 16. Allen may still be relegated to a bench role, but it’s starting to become obvious he’s the better player. Allen provides things no other wing can for New Orleans most nights, look for him to continue to play an important role night in and out.

Next: What Happens When Rondo Comes Back?

Up Next: The Pelicans travel to Chicago Saturday to play a Bulls team fresh off of a blowout win against the Orlando Magic. While they’re just 2-5 New Orleans knows after the preseason Chicago can play with almost anybody if they’re feeling confident. We’ll see if NOLA can secure back to back wins, and get back to .500.